A portrait of the teacher for the West in the interior of the Synodal era: Dissertation by I. V. Popov on Blessed Augustine

Early 20th century Russian academic theology showed considerable interest in St. Augustine’s theology. Among a significant number of works on the latter, one that stands out terms its scale and being well-founded, doctoral thesis “The personality legacy Augustine” (1916) by I. V. Popov, professor Moscow theological academy. Although first volume Popov’s work is only remains, it substantial because witnesses continuous intellectual evolution author, who made sharp turn from Eastern patristics towards Western his studying topic “deification.” However, today there no unanimous agreement among scholars presence “deification” concepts theology, Popov himself does not use term thesis. Nevertheless, conclusion “ontologism,” understood as possibility direct communication with God this life, was characteristic Augustine represents some sense next stage search for an organic integration moral mystical contents Christian life. Containing implicit but relevant early twentieth critique Harnack’s rationalism, had well impact mid-twentieth thought, having been demand diaspora. It should be especially noted that, despite unconditional significance both history “Augustine” has attracted special attention researchers so far.